WebAuthn
On this page
Browser API for public-key authentication.
Definition
WebAuthn exposes navigator.credentials.create() for registration, navigator.credentials.get() for authentication. Supports Resident Keys (Discoverable Credentials), User Verification (biometric/PIN), Attestation (authenticator cert chain). v3 in 2025 draft adds conditional UI passkeys autofill.
Origin
W3C Web Authentication Working Group active since 2015 ; v1 Recommendation published 4 March 2019 ; v2 published 8 April 2021.
Example in context
Gmail offers WebAuthn login with Yubikey or Touch ID directly in the browser — 1-click = login.
Related terms
- Passkeys — cloud sync extension.